Radon gas isn’t a new issue for REALTORS®, but during this time of the year it gains importance as fall and winter are the ideal seasons to test for radon. Understanding and helping mitigate radon risks is more than just a professional responsibility for REALTORS®, it’s also an opportunity to provide clients with valuable information …
Radon, a naturally occurring odourless and colourless radioactive gas, may be out of sight but it certainly shouldn’t be out of mind when it comes to real estate transactions. In fact, radon is present at different concentrations (depending on the makeup of bedrock or sediment) throughout Canada. If radon levels in a home surpass a …
By guest contributor Josh Froc from Work to Wellness If trying to work harder or working less hasn’t landed you the stress-reducing effects you hoped for, this article is for you. For almost everyone, being stressed doesn’t feel good, and we want less stress – but as wonderful as it is, the world of real estate …
Annual widespread wildfires and flooding have unfortunately become a regular occurrence in BC. In 2022, the province recorded more than 1,758 wildfires that burned more than 133,437 hectares. Sixty per cent of the wildfires occurred naturally. Meanwhile, extreme weather and mass flooding devastated communities and hundreds of homes across the province. There is no …
Wildfires have had a devastating impact on communities across BC in recent years. This year’s wildfire season has already begun and, as a REALTOR®, you can help protect your clients by reminding them of the importance of home insurance, both year-round and when buying or selling a home. If your client is buying a home, …
Sadly, it seems that in addition to spring, summer, fall and winter, BC now has a fifth season: wildfire season. What’s worse is that this year the wildfire season has gotten off to an early start, making it more important than ever for REALTORS® to help clients manage wildfire risks. While there are some things …
Mental health is an essential component of our daily lives. Yet, it is still overlooked and stigmatized in society. Many individuals are afraid to seek help or speak up about their struggles with mental illness due to the fear of judgment and discrimination. Those struggles can come from diverse places, not only from the professional …
Real estate professionals face unique problems and challenges in their everyday practice, from the uncertain housing market landscape, long work hours, and other stressors, each taking a toll on their mental and physical health. According to the findings of the survey on COVID-19 and mental health from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one …
When listing or selling a property, REALTORS® need a basic understanding of site contamination and its potential impact on property transactions. This can include identifying potential sources of contamination, understanding the implications of contamination on property value and potential liabilities, and providing essential advice to clients on how to address and mitigate contamination risks. What …
The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) has introduced new Real Estate Services Rules (“Rules”) with respect to teams effective April 1, 2023. But, what’s new in them? The regulator’s historical decisions on teams suggest that timely registration and notice to the regulator is important as, where real estate professionals have failed to register a new …
Recent reports of home title and mortgage fraud cases in Ontario have raised questions about what real estate professionals across Canada can do to help protect their clients from similar fraud attempts. On January 5, 2023, law enforcement officers in Toronto warned the public of two fraudsters who impersonated the owners of an Etobicoke-area home …
For a period of two years starting January 1, 2023, non-Canadians are banned from purchasing homes in Canada under the definition of “residential property” indicated in the legislation and associated regulations that the federal government published on December 21, 2022. Although further technical interpretations of the regulations are still pending, here is the current understanding …
The 2023 BC Property Assessments are now available online through BC Assessment, and homeowners can now check theirs on the website and expect to receive their notices in the mail by the end of January 2023. REALTORS® are often a valuable source of information for both buyers and sellers in helping them understand tax …
With the Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP) coming into effect on January 3, 2023, BCREA has created a video for REALTORS® to share with their clients to help them understand buyer’s rights during the HBRP. [iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3Q6U3PtokI” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen style=”position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;”][/iframe] This video will provide an overview of the HBRP and go over how …
The federal government is introducing new tax changes that may impact homeowners and potential homebuyers beginning January 1, 2023. Here’s what you need to know. Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax CreditThis tax credit for families applies to eligible construction costs for those who wish to add a secondary unit to their home to allow an immediate …
On November 24, 2022, the BC Government passed amendments to the Strata Property Act, which take immediate effect. There are two significant changes impacting REALTORS® dealing with strata properties, as well as their clients: This affects REALTORS® differently, depending on their area of practice. For strata management services: For trading services: For rental property management …
The Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP) will come into effect on January 3, 2023. Under this new regulation, some buyers for some residential properties will have three clear business days to change their mind, for any reason, and walk away from an accepted Contract of Purchase and Sale. It’s important for REALTORS® working with buyers …
The Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP), previously known as “Homebuyer Protection Period” and “cooling-off period,” is expected to be implemented province-wide on January 3, 2023. With many details yet to be determined by the BC Government, we have been hearing from REALTORS® with questions. In this post we answer some of those questions. New or revised questions …
Starting in January 2023, non-Canadians will be banned from buying homes across Canada, through the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act. This Act prohibits non-citizens and non-permanent residents from purchasing residential property in Canada for two years. The federal government has still not released the supporting regulations for the foreign buyer …
BC’s new Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP) for residential real estate property takes effect on January 3, 2023. You can help ensure that you understand and comply with the new requirements and know how to explain them to your clients by registering for the one-hour webinar presented jointly by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), …
BCREA Access is the new, exclusive platform for BC REALTORS® to find professional resources from BCREA. Created to ensure REALTORS® have timely and secure access to BCREA Resources with CREA discontinuing REALTOR Link® on September 15, 2022, BCREA Access has many useful resources available now. Haven’t signed in to BCREA Access yet? Using BCREA Access …
In fluctuating markets, remorse claims become all too common. Consumers regret and want to escape deals. Ensuring you’re well prepared upfront with the proper documentation, the best information and best practices, REALTORS® can help prevent client remorse. Yet, client remorse and uncertainty can still occur despite your best efforts. Why do clients get remorse? Remorse …
After the BC Government’s announcement introducing initial details of the upcoming Homebuyer Protection Period to take effect in real estate transactions in January 2023, you might be wondering, what’s next? REALTORS® are at the front lines of real estate transactions in BC, so a change in the way transactions are conducted will have an impact …
When REALTORS® connect with clients in a listing contract, the clients often tend to only focus on one or two key details, such as commission rates or purchase price. As good practice, REALTORS® must remember to slow down and adequately explain the finer details to ensure that clients fully understand the nature of the document(s) …
The BC Government has created regulations that will enable a mandatory three-day Homebuyer Protection Period (HPP), previously called a “cooling off period,” on January 1, 2023. While BCREA supports enhanced consumer protection measures for real estate consumers, we are extremely disappointed by this announcement. We anticipate that the HPP will not be an effective measure, …
According to Aviva Insurance, there has been a growing trend of underinsured claims across personal and commercial property lines over the past two years. This trend is fuelled by customers not being adequately insured to value. As a result, Aviva says that claims are coming in much higher than what customers are insured for. With …
With most of our business being conducted online, REALTORS® and managing brokers must be aware of good cybersecurity practices. Ensuring your digital accounts are secure online prevents hackers from obtaining not just your sensitive information, but also private client information. In a recent Community of Practice for Managing Brokers session, BCREA Technology Manager, Mairon Batista, …
On behalf of the province’s eight real estate boards and 24,000 REALTORS(R), the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) supports the Government of British Columbia’s intent to introduce a “Homebuyer Protection Period.” However, the BC Government’s cooling-off period fails to meet the needs of British Columbians. A recent independent survey of 1,157 British Columbians shows that only 35 …
In February, BCREA has published more than 30 recommendations to the BC Government and the province’s real estate regulator, the BC Financial Services Authority, to help guide their decision making to better protect consumers in the real estate transaction process. A key recommendation we made is for government to mandate a “pre-offer period” instead …
The Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA) has announced that it will be increasing service fees as of April 1, 2022. According to LTSA, the net increase will be 1.4% to the overall customer fee. To view the current and projected fees, click here. LTSA says that it uses revenue from fee …
BCREA’s white paper A Better Way Home: Strengthening Consumer Protection in Real Estate Transactions has attracted significant media attention nationwide. BCREA launched the white paper at a press conference in downtown Vancouver on Monday, February 28 with all of BC’s major news outlets in attendance, including Global, CBC, and CTV. More than 500 viewers, including …
On February 28, BCREA released a comprehensive white paper titled A Better Way Home: Strengthening Consumer Protection in Real Estate, which includes a set of recommendations for the BC Government on better-protecting consumers in real estate transactions and addressing the root causes of BC’s lack of housing affordability. The white paper was developed in response …
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), with support from the province’s real estate boards, has published a white paper and series of sweeping recommendations for the BC Government aimed at addressing current concerns with the province’s housing market, the real estate transaction process and consumer protection. The white paper, called A Better Way Home: …
On January 7, BC’s Provincial Health Officer announced that employers are required to re-activate their COVID-19 Safety Plans. To ensure the safety of REALTORS®, managing brokers and their clients, we recommend brokerages update and re-activate their COVID-19 Safety Plan after reviewing the updated Work Safe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan template. BCREA will continue to update …
UPDATE – December 22, 2021 – This blog post was updated to reflect the revised orders and restrictions announced by the Provincial Health Officer on December 21, 2021. With the number of new COVID-19 cases rising as a result of the omicron variant, BC’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new public health …
If you’re a REALTOR® who has clients involved in strata property transactions, you may get asked questions about owners renting out their units and the implications on the Speculation and Vacancy Tax (SVT). Until now, strata owners who were not permitted to rent out units may have qualified for an SVT exemption. That changes in …
BCREA is excited to announce the launch of InformBot for Standard Forms, a new digital tool that helps REALTORS® navigate the most commonly used forms with confidence. InFormBot is a chatbot-like program that provides Realtors with an overview of standard forms to use during every transaction stage. Whether working with a seller or a buyer, InFormBot can guide you to the appropriate forms. Standard forms highlighted in InFormBot include forms from the …
Earlier this month, the BC Government announced its intention to introduce a “cooling off” period for residential real estate transactions in BC next spring as well as consultation on several other practices that potentially pose a risk to consumers, including “blind bidding.” On this special episode of Open House by BCREA, we welcome three guests …
The Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) filing deadline has been extended to November 30, 2022, without incurring penalties. This extension gives reporting bodies with interests in land more time to file a transparency report. According to the BC government, they “heard from legal professionals in BC that pre-existing owners need more time to gather information about ownership and prepare to file with the registry.” …
The BC Government has announced its intent to introduce legislation in spring 2022 to mandate a cooling off period for buyers of all residential real estate. But what is a “cooling off period” and how might it impact you? A cooling off period, also known as a “rescission period,” gives buyers the right to withdraw from a …
Across the province, REALTORS® and brokerages are engaged in innovative work to support the real estate profession and the public. And we want to share those stories. On this episode of Open House by BCREA, explore an innovative way to build trusting, successful relationships with your clients through our conversation with Mark Winter. Mark is a …
Background Resources Quick Links Last updated: November 24, 2021 This page contains background information on the Fall 2021 Standard Forms Release, information and resources to help REALTORS® prepare for use of the forms and quick links to other relevant resources. BCREA will update this page as new information and resources are available. Background On November …
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) recommends REALTORS® and your clients once again wear masks while conducting open houses and private showings as a result of rising COVID-19 case numbers and the BC government’s recent announcement that beginning August 25, people 12 and older – both vaccinated and unvaccinated – will be required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. The government also announced that proof of vaccination through a …
On August 1, 2021, the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) became the new regulator for real estate service providers in BC. That means the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) and the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate (OSRE) no longer exist. BCREA recently published a blog post with a video explaining the change in regulators and a series of resources …
As a result of the integration of the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) and Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate (OSRE) into the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) on August 1, the Real Estate Rules, now named the Real Estate Services Rules, have been revised. The changes take effect immediately. With RECBC and …
UPDATE: This post was updated on August 1 to include the new BCFSA link to the July 2021 Report from Council. A previous link from the Real Estate Council of BC website no longer exists. BC’s revised Real Estate Services Rules also come into effect on August 1. Click here to learn more. To find …
On July 28, 2021, the BC Government and Interior Health announced new health measures in the central Okanagan aimed at containing a COVID-19 outbreak in the area. REALTORS® are encouraged to review the measures announced and act accordingly, putting the safety of clients and their communities first. Included in these new measures is a mandatory …
On this month’s episode of Open House by BCREA, a panel of three BC Realtors, including host and managing broker Tony Joe, BCREA Director Ashley Smith, and Youth Professional Network chair Kate Philpott talk about getting started as a Realtor, along with tips and directions about how to fast-track a new career in real estate. …
As of July 1, brokerages and REALTORS® should follow WorkSafeBC’s Communicable Diseases Prevention guidelines. June 30, 2021 – With British Columbians set to enter Step 3 of the province’s Restart Plan on July 1, the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC), the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate (OSRE) and the British Columbia Real …
With vaccine numbers rising and infection rates continuing to fall, BC is on track to move to step 2 of BC’s Restart Plan as of June 15 and all of us are eager for further easing of COVID-19 restrictions. However, REALTORS® and consumers will have to be patient a little longer when it comes to …
On June 2, BCREA hosted a free one-hour webinar to help REALTORS® and brokerages understand the new regulatory amendments introduced by the Financial Transactions & Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) on June 1. Thank you to the over 4,400 Realtors who attended! If you attended the full live session, please allow up to two …
By: Adam Feldman, CAMS, CAMS-RM, CSC, Guest Contributor The rise of virtual currency If you’ve followed the news lately, you’ve probably noticed the increased prominence that virtual currencies are gaining on the global financial landscape. A 2019 study estimated that 9% of the global population owns Bitcoin, while British Columbia alone is home to 229 …
On this month’s episode of Open House by BCREA, we are joined by Adam Feldman, an Anti-Money Laundering Advisor with The AML Shop, who shares an overview of the new or revised anti-money laundering regulations that come into effect on June 1, 2021, and how they will impact real estate practice. These changes were introduced by …
In case you haven’t heard, the Financial Transactions & Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has introduced new and revised regulatory requirements that come into effect on June 1, 2021, that will impact your real estate practice and anti-money laundering obligations. To ensure you’re ready for these changes, BCREA has created a series of short …
By: Adam Feldman, CAMS, CAMS-RM, CSC, Guest Contributor If you remember last week’s post, starting on June 1, 2021, brokerages will need to determine if an individual with whom they are dealing is a politically exposed person (PEP). A PEP is an individual who holds a senior position in a government, military, judiciary or international …
Updated on May 12, 2021, to reflect that the Land Owner Transparency Registry is now publicly searchable. The Land Owner Transparency Registry, or LOTR, is a publicly accessible registry of information about individuals who have an indirect interest in land that is held through corporations, trusts and partnerships. Here are ten things REALTORS® can learn …
By: Adam Feldman, CAMS, CAMS-RM, CSC, Guest Contributor What is a PEP? If you’ve been following the regulatory changes that are coming into effect on June 1, 2021, you might be aware that, under circumstances described in the next section, brokerages will be required to determine if an individual is a PEP. But what is …
FINTRAC: What’s Changed Using LOTR Last updated: June 1, 2021 Overview New and revised regulatory amendments from the Financial Transactions & Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) are now in effect and BCREA has created this resource page to help REALTORS® and brokerages understand their new FINTRAC obligations and how to use BC’s Land Owner Transparency …
Update: This post was updated on May 5, 2021 after a review of suggested protocols. REALTORS® are encouraged to read the updated version below. Selling a tenant-occupied property is always more complicated than selling an owner-occupied property. Selling a tenant-occupied property during a global pandemic adds another layer of complexity. As a REALTOR®, you have …
Update: This post and the Safer Showings documents referenced below were updated on May 5, 2021 to align with Provincial Health Officer orders and directives up to and including April 2021. Real estate professionals must continue to adapt to protect themselves, consumers and communities from COVID-19. While provincial restrictions do not directly impact REALTORS® ability …
By Adam Feldman, CAMS, CAMS-RM, CSC, Guest Contributor What is a beneficial owner, and why do I need to know? A beneficial owner is defined in Canadian federal anti-money laundering regulations as an individual who owns or controls 25% or more of an entity. This could be through direct ownership or ownership of another entity. For …
The Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) becomes publicly searchable on April 30 and guidance from the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) on how to use LOTR in real estate practice is coming soon. BCREA will support brokerages and REALTORS® in adapting their practice in accordance to the RECBC guidance once it’s available. In the …
By Adam Feldman, CAMS, CAMS-RM, CSC, Guest Contributor Brokerages have been required to conduct ongoing monitoring of their business relationships ever since the concept was introduced into regulation in 2014. At that time, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) clarified that a business relationship is established if a brokerage conducts two …
On Friday, April 9th, the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) and the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate (OSRE) released a press statement encouraging British Columbians to be aware of the potential risks and do their research before making an offer on a home. In the release, RECBC’s Chief Executive Officer Erin Seeley …
With interest rates at record lows and not enough available housing stock to meet demand, buyers are willing to take risks to clinch a deal. Still, as a REALTOR®, they look to you for information on managing those risks. As you work in your client’s best interest, in advising them don’t forget to manage your …
BCREA has added a session of our Managing Broker Community of Practice on March 31, 2021 at 10:00am to address the current conditions of BC’s housing market. The session will explore some of the emerging trends resulting from the state of the housing market, including multiple and subject-free offers, as well as offer guidance for …
On this month’s episode of Open House by BCREA, we highlight best practices and ways for REALTORS® to manage risk in BC’s current housing market. From client conversations, to offer presentations and documentation, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Professional Standards Manager and BCREA instructor Kim Spencer takes you through it all. We also talk …
On March 9, the BC legislature approved changes to the Real Estate Services Act (RESA) contained in Bill 8: Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. None of the changes will take effect immediately. Over the next weeks and months, BCREA will work with the regulators to understand the impact of all of the changes and to …
If being in the midst of a global pandemic wasn’t enough, with BC’s historically busy housing market, REALTORS® are operating under extenuating circumstances and are faced with balancing health and safety with serving their clients best interests. As a result of COVID-19, you have adapted your practices to ensure your clients and the community at …
In February’s episode of Open House by BCREA, our monthly podcast for REALTORS®, host Tony Joe and his guests – former Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver President and current Vancouver-area Realtor Phil Moore, and lawyer Brian Taylor – explore some of the challenges and opportunities of working in a historically busy market during COVID-19. …
On this month’s episode of Open House by BCREA, host Tony Joe is joined by Vancouver-area REALTOR® Phil Moore, and lawyer and BCREA Legally Speaking author Brian Taylor to talk about the challenges Realtors are facing in a hot market during COVID-19, and how to turn some of those into opportunities. [div id=”buzzsprout-player-8031027″][/div] [script src=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/831562/8031027-challenges-and-opportunities-in-a-hot-market-during-covid-19.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-8031027&player=small” …
UPDATE (January 14, 2021): As the spread of COVID-19 continues to be a concern, restrictions from the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on social gatherings and non-essential travel, and a requirement for masks in public indoor spaces are still in effect until at least February 5, 2021. Updated guidance on safer showings from BCREA, the Real …
With more than 1.5 million British Columbians living in strata housing, not to mention all the commercial, industrial and mixed-use stratas in BC, it’s important that REALTORS® understand a key tool in assessing the condition of a strata property: the depreciation report. Here’s a quick primer on what you need to know and how to learn more.
Last updated: July 1, 2021 The provincial state of emergency that was in place for more than a year has now been lifted. For British Columbians, this means unlimited indoor and outdoor personal gatherings, an end to mask mandates and the freedom to travel within Canada. For REALTORS®, this means the option to return to …
The second half of 2020 has been a busy time for real estate transactions, which has resulted in an increase in conveyancing. To help control the spread of COVID-19, it remains paramount to continue using technology to reduce in-person contact during all aspects of a transaction, including conveyancing. In dealing with the consequences of the …
On Episode 13 of Open House by BCREA, we talk to Jamie Matthews, a partner at Farris LLP and BCREA’s legal counsel for Standard Forms, about what Realtors need to know about the Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) and Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR), both of which come into effect on November 30. Specifically, Jamie …
The Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) and the Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) come into effect on November 30, 2020, and that means REALTORS® should prepare for changes to practice when completing a transaction to allow for the new reporting requirements outlined by LOTA. The following resources will help Realtors get up to speed and …
On November 30, the Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) and Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) will come into effect. With them come new reporting requirements, filed by legal professionals, when an application is made to register an interest in land. To help REALTORS® and your clients get ready for LOTA and LOTR, here are three …
With new health orders announced by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on November 19, BCREA encourages REALTORS® to continue COVID-19-conscious business practices, which includes using virtual tools when possible, to market, show, and view properties to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The PHO’s recent announcement and order extends the ban on social interactions and …
With a variety of new resources having been created over the last several months – including the Standard Forms Resource Centre, the Fall 2020 Standard Forms and accompanying training materials – we have created a way for Realtors to easily find exactly what you need to help your practice. The Standard Forms Resources Index enables …
BCREA has created a video for REALTORS® to share with clients to help them better understand the Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). The PDS is one of the most frequently used standard forms and it allows sellers to disclose facts about the condition of the property so that buyers can make informed decisions when considering purchase …
BCREA would like to remind REALTORS® to continue to use virtual tools when possible to market, show and view properties, to limit face-to-face interactions, and to follow the safer showings guidelines released last week. While the order issued by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on November 7 limiting social interactions and travel in the Lower …
The COVID-19 FAQ was last updated on November 12, 2020. As the spread of COVID-19 continues to be a health risk and have a significant impact on people’s lives, REALTORS® may be left with questions about how to deal with certain areas of their practice. BCREA seeks to support you in these unprecedented times. We …
The Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) and the Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) come into effect on November 30, 2020, and that means REALTORS® should prepare for changes to practice when completing a transaction to allow for the new reporting requirements outlined by LOTA. How does this affect your practice? Beginning on November 30, 2020, …
On Episode 12 of Open House by BCREA, we catch up with Real Estate Council of BC Professional Standards Advisor Marty Douglas and real estate lawyer Bruce Woolley. In the midst of a historically busy market, Marty and Bruce explore some of the commons questions Realtors and consumers have been asking, and offer advice on …
In the coming years, new homes in BC are about to get measurably healthier, quieter, more durable, and more energy efficient than those on the resale market, thanks to a regulation called the BC Energy Step Code. BCREA is collaborating with BC Hydro and the Real Estate Foundation of BC to ensure REALTORS® understand the …
Filing a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) can seem like a tough call – what’s considered suspicious? And how do they help anyways? The truth is STRs are an easy and important way for REALTORS® to help protect BC’s economy from money laundering. They also play a key role in helping law enforcement identify money launderers …
Background Resources Quick Links Last updated: October 2, 2020 This page contains background information on the Fall 2020 Standard Forms Release, information and resources to help Realtors prepare for use of the forms, and quick links to other relevant resources. BCREA will update this page as new information and resources are available. Background On September …
By Ellen Baragon, Guest Contributor The federal government has extended the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for another month to help small businesses cover rental costs through August 2020. This follows a previous CECRA extension for the month of July. CECRA provides forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of three …
BCREA’s new online Disclosures in Real Estate (DIRE) course can help you better understand the scope of your disclosure obligations.
With an announcement on July 20, the BC Government is giving landlords and tenants information to help them plan for the near future. The ban on residential evictions for non-payment of rent will be lifted before September 1, which means full rent will be due in September. Repayment plans The government has published a repayment …
By Ellen Baragon, Guest Contributor Even when REALTORS® adapt strict COVID-19 safety protocols (you can review BCREA’s guidelines here), hosting open houses increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Hosting open houses also results in another type of exposure for Realtors: exposure to public scrutiny. With British Columbians anxiously watching the latest transmission numbers, neighbours …
By Carlos MacDonald, Director of Land Titles, Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia If a property owner or buyer encounters a discriminating covenant in land title records, it can be a shocking surprise. Discriminating covenants are clauses that restrict the sale, ownership, occupation or use of land on the basis of sex, race, …
Over the past several months, we’ve been sharing stories about the many REALTORS® across BC who are supporting their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. For now, this will be the last post in the COVID-19 Community Care series. “A huge thanks to our fantastic agents, to Trinity Church and to the people of Kelowna, West Kelowna …
After hearing from strata corporations, owners and other stakeholders – including REALTORS® – for several months, on June 23 the BC Government introduced legislative changes to help address the high costs of strata insurance. Strong advocacy work by BCREA and the real estate boards has resulted in BCREA being named as a contributor in the …
On June 24, the BC Government made it possible to evict residential tenants for reasons other than non-payment of rent. That means real estate transactions that require vacant possession can now proceed. Landlords with existing orders for eviction can take them to the courts beginning July 2, 2020, for enforcement and can enforce a writ …
Over the past several months, we’ve been sharing stories about the many Realtors across BC who are supporting their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. “In true Dexter fashion, our winning agents chose to forego personal awards and gifts this year in favor of a donation on their behalf to the Resilience Without Barriers Fund. This fund …
Over the past several months, we’ve been sharing stories about the many Realtors across BC who are supporting their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. “We chose to support our local Share Family & Community Services as they run the local food bank. COVID-19 has drastically impacted food bank donations and they need help to support those …
With Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan underway, REALTORS® may encounter concerns or criticism from consumers, especially online. In the latest episode of Open House by BCREA: Returning to Work and Risks to REALTOR® Reputation, Ari Indyk, VP Crisis and Risk at Edelman, provides advice on mitigating and responding to consumer concerns as we navigate …
One of our most popular online courses has been revamped and is available again for REALTORS®. Client Engagement Excellence: Negotiating Skills is the updated version of what was previously known as Customer Service Excellence and the REALTOR® Brand and aims to strengthen Realtor competence in the core engagement skill of negotiating. This course helps Realtors …
The British Columbia Real Estate Association acknowledges that our head office is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam). We also acknowledge the other 195 First Nations in British Columbia, as these are the lands we each call home.
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